scribbling away in the hopes of writing a novel

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As I’ve mentioned a hundred times before, I am quite- erm- behind in my emails. I’ve just found this award from *cough* March, though, so I thought I would post it. Thank you to The Writing Hufflepuff for nominating me- sorry it’s taken so long for me to acknowledge it!

The Rules

Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog!

Give your readers 11 random facts about yourself.

Answer the 11 questions from the blog who nominated you.

Nominate 11 bloggers to receive this award.

Come up with 11 questions for your nominees!

11 random facts about me

My favourite animals are giraffes- have been forever. I have so many giraffe related things in my room, it’s slightly ridiculous.

I’m a bit of a stereotypical Brit in the sense that I love tea and probably drink way too much of it. Ice tea is gross, though.

I’m currently scrapbooking all my sixth form photos which is lots of fun because I’m remembering all the fun times we had.

My star sign is Leo, which is weird because most of the Leo “traits” really do not apply to me. Though I don’t actually believe in any of the star sign rubbish so I’m not sure why I care (though I do read my horoscope just in case– forewarned is forearmed, kids (is that even the saying)). I do like cats though.

I really like the “pointy” odd numbers, if that makes any sense. Like 17. None of this round even number rubbish. (Please tell me you understand and I’m not alone in my irrational dislike of rounded numbers).

My favourite colour is blue, but it has to be DARK blue.

I recently made two dresses to take on my holidays, and I’m thinking of making a skirt soon!

I have so many teddies and soft toys in my room and the biggest is a massive yellow bear that my brother won when he went to Alton Towers. It’s about three foot tall!

I read The Killing’s book adaption in June, and I’m currently watching the series with my brother (IT’S SO GOOD!!!).

Because of this I now really want to learn Danish and visit Denmark.

When we were in Greece recently, someone gave my mum a Danish coin for change because it had been mixed up as a Euro, so she gave it to me. I now have 10 kronor towards said visit to Denmark! Woo hoo! (Until you see the exchange rates and see how much 10 kronor is worth)

Picture: sophisticatedthinking.wordpress.com-

The Writing Hufflepuff’s Questions:

What is your favourite film?

I have a few. I love Pretty Woman and Pride and Prejudice because they make me laugh and feel really happy, and I love The English Patient, both because of the story and because my favourite actors, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ralph Fiennes, are in it. Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz make me laugh, and I have an eternal love for films like Crocodile Dundee I & II and The Fugitive, which I always watch when they come on telly.

What is the reason behind your blog’s name?

Scribbley is my dad’s nickname for me, and it seemed to go well with my general theme of writing sooo… yeah 🙂

Who is your favourite character from anything ever?

ARGH SO DIFFICULT. I think probably Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, because I really identified with her when I was younger. I’m probably more like Hermione in the academic sense, but when I was a child I generally received comments about my personality and the fact I am a bit weird, which didn’t bother me hugely but I found it confusing that people were saying stuff like that to me so it was quite reassuring to have a character who is also teased for being odd but didn’t care. Actually, I think that probably helped later on when I started getting comments about my appearance and nerdiness because they generally (excluding some nastier incidents) didn’t affect me. So thanks, Luna!

Picture: giphy.com

If you could immediately become fluent in one language, what language would you pick and why?

Latin, because it’s the basis for a lot of languages, so while it is a “dead language” itself, it would definitely help with learning other languages!

13 is my lucky number (converse to the rest of the world!) since it’s my birthday date.

If you could rule the world, what would you do first?

END INEQUALITY. That covers a lot, I think. And then I would move onto poverty and stopping war… Endless jobs!

I’m going to nominate anyone who wants to do this award, since I think most people have already done it and I’m a bit late to the party! Link back here if you do do the award, though- I’d like to see your posts!

Lots has happened in the time since I last posted. Last week was my birthday, which also, terrifyingly, fell on my A Level results day.

Picture: tumblr.com

Fortunately, everything went well and I had a fantastic 18th birthday, which was extra special because all my family was around to spend it with me. Plus, I now know I am definitely going to university- which I am super excited about!

Picture: tumblr.com

I think I mentioned before about my holiday in Syros, Greece, which was very chilled out (just what I needed in the run-up to results day!), but, if not, here are some photos!

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

The photo below is from a trip we took to Tinnos, a neighbouring island. It is home to a large Greek Orthodox church, which pilgrims were travelling to- women were crawling on their hands and knees up this hill on the carpet to the church at the top. We spoke to a shop owner, and it seems to be a pilgrimage for healing, perhaps for fertility or childbirth since all the pilgrims we saw were women.

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

This is a remote beach at the top of Syros, accessible only via boat. When we went there was only about 15 others on the beach, all from the same boat. The sailor that brought us came back with a floating crate and served everyone with drinks and melon- you’ve never had melon until you’ve eaten slices stood waist-high in cool sea water with the sun beating on your back and juice running down your hands, I’m telling you! The water was fantastically clear too, so the snorkelling was great.

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

I’m not sure about August, but I don’t leave home until the end of September so I will definitely be able to blog more than I have been doing then. When I start uni I’m going to try and figure out a routine for blogging and writing in the mornings, but I guess it depends if I can haul myself out of bed! I’ve done lots of reading, so maybe I can coax one review out a day or something (I’m aware I promised a couple of bloggers a review- I will do them, it’s just a question of when, sorry!). I’ve not been in the mood for reviewing recently, and I don’t see the point of writing a rubbish review for the sake of it.

As I think I’ve mentioned before, I’m writing the first draft of my novel (it’s technically the second, but the actual first was short and abysmal) so once that’s done I’d quite like to do some posts about it. Maybe by Christmas?

To my lovely fanfiction readers, the next chapter of Of Snakes and Lions is done and dusted, but I’m waiting until the following chapter is complete before posting it because things are going to be a bit hectic as I prepare for uni and I don’t want to post a chapter when I’m not sure when the next one will be up. If that makes sense! To those on fanfiction.net, I’ve suggested a one-shot competition (see the last chapter of Of Snakes and Lions) and all the responses were positive, so full steam ahead with that, woo hoo! I’ll be extending the competition to Wattpad if it works out okay. Actually, I have an idea for a kind of compilation of Sevmione one-shots inspired by songs, but I’m going to be sensible and wait until I’ve finished Of Snakes and Lions before starting a new fic! I will jot ideas down though 🙂

Well, my exams have been over about a month now (though it feels like years) and I suppose I should have posted some time before this. I have a half-excuse of being busy- I spent a week working at my mum’s place; passed my driving theory test (yay!); went to prom; spent a week at my grandparents… but, actually, the main reason I haven’t posted is because I haven’t felt like it. I didn’t have anything to say! I haven’t even written a single book review!

So, what have I been doing, when I’ve not been working/ doing tests/ going to prom/ visiting my grandparents? I’m proud to say I’ve been doing a lot of writing after a couple of months- probably more, actually- of not doing any (oh, you pesky exams!). I’ve written about 15,000 words of my fan-fiction, which will be updated tomorrow if any of my readers are here, as well as nearly 9,000 of my novel. I’m not sure whether to count what I’m currently writing as my first or second draft; I wrote a really pathetic draft in January, so I’m not sure if it counts as a draft at all! Regardless, I’m pleased with what I have written so far, and I’m aiming to have 60,000 words written by September-ish time. I’m writing with an ink pen in a notebook, and I’m sure I’ve never gone through so much ink cartridges at once!

Photo & Artwork: Scribbley

I’ve also been doing some drawing and painting. The painting above is one I did a week or so ago- one day I just attacked a piece of paper with colour! I’m quite pleased with it, though it’s not really my style. My brother has commissioned me to draw a car for him to stick up in his room, too- I’m getting paid in sweets, haha!

Photo: Scribbley

I went to a nature reserve with my mum as well, and I really liked this photo I took of a butterfly so I thought I’d share it. Last weekend I went on a bike ride with my dad starting at the same reserve- note to all my readers, 21 mile rides after one or two years without cycling at all are a BAD IDEA. We both had fun, but I couldn’t walk for half the week afterwards!

Just realised that every single paragraph ends with an exclamation mark… I’m just a bit excited because we’re going on holiday tomorrow! Final things: I don’t know when I’ll next post, but I will… eventually; also, I have 800+ emails in my inbox and I’m slowly getting through them, so if you see me comment/ like/ whatever your post from March 1984 or something that’s why!

FINAL FINAL FINAL thing… today is my 1 year blog anniversary, which was a pleasant surprise when I logged on! Happy birthday to my blog, and thank you all for a brilliant year!

Yesterday I visited Bolton Abbey, so I thought I would share my pictures with you. The priory ruins and surrounding area are very picturesque, and there are lots of spots perfect for picnics (we had ours at the brilliantly named Valley of Desolation!).

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

I think the photo above is my favourite- very dramatic!

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

My favourite place name ever. It sounds like one of Enid Blyton’s stories- I think there was a series with names like the Valley of Adventure etc

Last week, my brother and I went to visit our grandparents, and while there we visited London. I thought I’d share my photos, since the buildings we visited were pretty impressive.

Photo: Scribbley

Temple Church

I’ve wanted to visit this for ages, since it’s mentioned in The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown). It was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century next to what is now Fleet Street. Despite this being a well known patch of London (and Monopoly!), the church itself is relatively hidden. It’s one of those places you find by accident- or, in our case, after consulting various maps.

Photo: Scribbley

The round part of the church you see above was built in 1185 (won’t say anymore, since Robert Langdon explains it far better as the main character of The Da Vinci Code!); this bit below was built in 1240.

Photo: Scribbley

The inside of the church wasn’t really to my taste, though the stained glass windows were fabulous and the church itself is photogenic. It seemed cold and impersonal, which is odd considering its wealth of history.

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

This probably isn’t a technically “good” photo, but I like the faint colours of the stained glass shining on the knight. It makes him seem a little less lifeless, and more like someone who had a history.

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Again, technically not great. I like the streams of light coming through the window- I actually messed with the brightness on my camera to make them whiter. I think it gives an unearthly effect. I might try painting it sometime.

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Royal Courts of Justice

We were lucky with this one- the next day there was a fire in the area and the building had to be evacuated. Unfortunately, photography isn’t allowed inside the courts, so my only photos are from outside. We hadn’t thought visitors were permitted, though, so I suppose I can’t complain about being unable to take photos if I didn’t think I would be allowed in in the first place!

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Though not exactly welcoming, I think it’s an impressive building. I don’t know much about architecture (read: absolutely nothing), so this may be completely the wrong term, but I feel like “gothic” suits it quite well.

The RAF’s church, St Clement Danes, is next door-ish to the Royal Courts. Despite being in the middle of a bustling street, it was very quiet when we visited. It was easily my favourite, because it was much more personal than Temple Church without losing its grandeur.

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

Photo: Scribbley

I hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures- though I know there were a lot of them! The churches in particular were beautiful to look round, so if you’re into photography or if you like wandering round churches and old buildings like me I’d recommend visiting them if you are ever in London. They’re at least a bit different to the “usual” attractions- plus they don’t cost the earth!

It feels like ages since my last post! Life just got in the way (and I was on such a roll as well) and, to be honest? Blogging wasn’t the priority.

First off, I was busy making scrunchies for a sale at the sewing club I help out at…

… then I made a make-up bag for my friend’s birthday…

… and, of course, the major one: dreaded revision has been taking up a lot of my time recently. (It’ll be worth it in summer!)

Photo: keep-calm-hp.tumblr.com

So where does this leave posting? Well, as you can see (read?) I’ve had chance to write a post this evening. Most other evenings though, I haven’t, or I’ve been tired, or I just haven’t been in the mood and have wanted to chill out. I’m afraid it’s going to be like this for a while now, at least until my exams are over (end of June), at which point I’ll drive you all crazy posting every minute of every day! In the meantime I’m going to finish off the blog challenge I’m doing, as and when I have the time, and I’ll also be doing the posts I’ve been tagged in.

To my fanfiction readers- I have, like, one scene of the next chapter of Of Snakes and Lions to finish off (I was aiming for last weekend, but it didn’t get written). I’m going to have a stab at it once I’ve finished writing this post, and then you can have a read ASAP!

Finally, onto today’s challenge!

Day 20: Quotes

Well, considering all I said above, the quote which seems most apt is:

“Have you noticed that even the busiest people are never too busy to take time to tell you how busy they are?”

― Bob Talbert

(Hey, I can laugh at myself!)

To be honest, that’s all I want to say. From one busy person to all the busy people reading this: I’m so busy right now, and I can’t wait to have a massive chill out in summer after exams!

Much love (and hoping all you busy people out there get some relaxation time),

Hello, sorry I didn’t post yesterday! I’ve had a really rubbish week at school, and Friday kinda finished me off. I didn’t really want to post in a bad mood, so I’m posting what would’ve been Friday’s post today.

Day 19: Inspiration

I thought this was quite an interesting topic to explore, especially as a writer (and, occasionally, artist). Where exactly do I get my ideas from?

Photo from: Wikipedia

My main focus in writing at the moment is my novel and my fanfiction. My inspiration for my fanfiction is easy enough: the series it’s based on, Harry Potter. My novel however… I think I’ve written in previous posts that I had been working on another novel for years without more progress when I took up my current work. It was quite easy for me to do so because my current idea is one I had when I was twelve or thirteen that had just been forgotten in old notebooks. Unfortunately, that means I can’t especially remember where my inspiration came from. Can’t especially, I say. I can remember some.

The original first scene came to me in a kind-of vision: I had a really strong idea of Bronwyn, the main character, smoking down a dark alley, scantily clad and with a dull amber glow on her skin from the streetlight. The alley was loosely based on a street near school, which is nowhere near as dank as the one in my story, and the streetlights were based on the really dim orangey ones outside my window. Of course, since then this first scene has morphed: the main stages being from that which I just described, to Richard walking past and meeting Bronwyn (this being the start of their affair), to its current body which is Bronwyn standing on a balcony (an upgrade from the grotty alley!) and Karen, Richard’s wife, finding her and being absolutely furious!

I get inspired my other books occasionally, less so now I’m older (excluding my fan-fics). I think when I was younger and in the initial stages of finding my writing style, I would find myself copying the style of the author I had read most recently. I’d argue that’s useful, since I tried out a variety of styles before becoming more and more into my own. It was rare that I would be inspired by ideas- though I do remember a dreadful story I wrote about a girl going to magic school. I was so desperate to not copy of Harry Potter that it was dumped within about a month!

Though my rubbish-y musings could never be classed as “poetry”, for simplicity I’m going to call them that (and watch all the great poets turn in their graves!). Where do I get my poetry inspiration from, then? I consider poetry a thousand times more personal than novel-writing, and, as someone who is not particularly open with emotions and feeling, I struggle getting that depth of emotion out. Despite that, I find writing poetry cathartic. I draw my inspiration from my own life and experiences, but it tends to be those which affect me significantly- it’s easier getting the emotions out when there’s a lot of them!

I’m trying to be more artful with my poetry, in the hope that it’ll make it significantly better, but ideally without losing the initial sentiments. To help with that I’ve been reading poetry, which is drags a bit since I immensely dislike 98%- ish of poetry! It’s worth it for the poems I’ve found that actually do have an impact on me, or I do empathise with. I really like: Admonition, Sylvia Plath; I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou; To His Coy Mistress, Andrew Marvell; Red, Ted Hughes; All the World’s a Stage, Shakespeare; The Manhunt, Simon Armitage; and Noor’s poetry. To poetry lovers, I’ve probably got a really limited taste, but I’m trying, okay! I’ve also been drawing a lot on song lyrics, some of which are similar in style to poetry. It must be working- I’ve got about seven of my own poems saved on my tablet, and I keep tinkering with them as a kind-of long term project. I might schedule them as posts for over my exam period in summer when I can’t write posts as I’ll be busy revising (ugh).

I always find it interesting reading short fiction like Millie’s, since writers are taking inspiration from photographs and one line prompts- I’ve never been able to do that, and I’m terrible at short stories so it’s fun reading other people’s takes on the inspiration provided.

Where do you get inspiration from? Feel free to comment below, and if anyone has any poetry suggestions, please drop me a line- I’d appreciate it!